St James’s Hotel & Club: Upgrade your gluten-free afternoon tea to haute couture
In the park-side heart of London’s club-land – the cognac-sipping not the dancing kind – the red and white Victorian façade of St. James’s Hotel & Club hides the British glamour within. This inviting hotel, located in Mayfair, includes an exclusive club and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The 5-star hotel’s décor – newly revamped and restored – captures that classic Mayfair elegance, with Murano chandeliers and the most snooze-worthy beds you’ll ever sleep in. The hotel also has an impressive collection of 20th century portraiture, including the 1920s-50s Rosenstein Collection, which enhances its public spaces and suites.
St. James’s Hotel & Club is a great mixing and meeting spot for the modern Mayfair gentleman and poised Piccadilly princess to experience all the elegance this boutique hotel has to offer. It has the classic old-fashioned British feel and attitude, from the porcelain and brass fixtures in the bathrooms to the hospitality of the staff. The boutique bedrooms each feature handmade silk wallpaper and luxury Hypnos beds. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and an iPod dock, and the stylish marble bathrooms have fluffy robes and toiletries. For added enjoyment, a menu of salads, soups and pastas are available 24 hours a day for its guests. The hotel is also within walking distance from St. James Palace, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly, theatres, and various shopping districts.
St. James’s award-winning restaurant, Seven Park Place, includes modern British dishes and creative, seasonal specials and indulgent afternoon teas and light bistro meals. Seven Park Place spreads over a cozy room neighboring the bar area. Embellished with a fresh feel by the lemon-yellow banquettes and black and cream chairs, silk and cashmere-coated wall coverings and lined framed contemporary portraits hanging above, the character and atmosphere of the boutique hotel further improves. In addition to the dinner selection, there’s an all-day bar menu of more low-key gastro-pub dishes of William’s Bar & Bistro. St. James’s Hotel & Club is a discreet champagne-sipping spot for West London’s smart set.
Your Coffee Break stopped by for the St. James’s Hotel & Club gluten-free afternoon tea, which celebrated the launch of London Fashion Week earlier this year. Perfect for carb-conscious fashionistas, afternoon tea delivers taste as well as being a real eye-candy. On a St. James’s tea tray, you’ll find airy macaroons layered with fresh raspberries, delicate financiers embellished with seasonal berries, corset-friendly chocolate mousse cake, light lemon drizzle cake, and scones dressed with clotted cream and a rich strawberry preserve. There was also a selection of freshly made wafer-thin sandwiches on gluten-free bread and a varied choice of fillings, and a menu of the finest teas and herbal infusions from around the globe. If you really want to put the cherry on top of your experience, upgrade gluten-free afternoon tea to haute couture with a chilled glass of Jacquart Champagne.
YCB’s Fashion Editor Rosa said, “I thought that the food was amazing considering that there was no gluten used –particularly the mini chocolate mousse. Also the lychee tea was delicious and the setting was exquisite!” YCB’s Editor Charlotte added, “The champagne was fresh and fruity, complementing the entire experience with the pastries. The service was amazing too.”
St. James’s Hotel & Club is popular with celebrities and former guests include Cher, Elton John, Liza Minelli and Sean Connery. If this is your first time in London, then this hotel is the perfect choice!
